Second referendum on independence

Published on 26/12/2012 00:00

Regarding discussions on a second referendum on independence (your report, 24 December), we should note the 1998 Belfast Agreement, drawn up by Tony Blair’s UK Labour government and the Irish government. It allows for a referendum on a united Ireland “if at any time it appears likely [to the Northern Ireland Secretary of State] that a majority of those voting would express a wish [for a united Ireland]”. Should the result be close, the agreement allows for a second referendum “[not] earlier than seven years after the holding of a previous poll”.

A second referendum after seven years is clearly current UK government constitutional doctrine in these matters.

Tom Johnston (SNP)

North Lanarkshire Council